Running a family business: Steiner Homes focus on trust, teamwork and a shared purpose

At Steiner Homes, everything is about family. Dan Steiner is the owner and president of the company. His wife handles the books, his two daughters work in marketing and sales, and his two sons design the houses. The arrangement has become one of the company’s strongest assets.

The biggest advantage is expertise. Each family member brings a skill the business needs, and buyers benefit from that range.

Steiner’s wife explains financing, and construction draws to buyers making a large investment for the first time. Steiner says his wife is especially good at it.

“People are kind of freaked out. This is a huge investment, and they want to know it’s going to be okay,” Steiner said.

With his daughter leading the marketing department, Steiner is proud of the contributions she has made to the company.

“She’s a dynamo. We just love her to death,” Steiner said.

Design is a family effort too. The company has about 45 plans online, and the team has designed far more than that. Clients often bring in a house they like, and the team adapts it to fit their needs.

“Almost every house I’ve ever built, I’ve never built one of them the same as another one,” Steiner said.

Family referrals also keep the business growing. In fact, when parents recommend Steiner Homes to their children, it’s one of the best compliments Steiner can receive.

“I’m literally building eight houses right now, and all of them are referrals from parents to their kids,” Steiner said.

The team also works without ego. Several people spend time on each house and refine details, like the size of a dormer or the placement of a window, until the home looks right.

“In the company I have what we call, ‘No pride of authorship,’” Steiner said.

Working with family has challenges too. Growth takes capital. The company keeps 30 to 40 lots in inventory, and its own cash usually covers more than half the price of each lot. Holding that land takes careful planning, and the family makes those decisions together.

“Buying land is a constant heartache,” Steiner said.

Steiner is always pushing for growth, and his wife keeps the finances steady. It’s this level of collaboration that keeps Steiner Homes strong. Additionally, it’s this level of trust that keeps the customers of Steiner Homes so loyal.

“The key is to be good and be kind to the customer,” Steiner said.

To learn more about Steiner Homes, visit steinerhomesltd.com.